Method and arrangement for controlling track-bound toys

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for controlling track-bound toys, in particular electromotively operated model railways and model trains, wherein memory modules which can be read in a contactless manner and store unique identification data are situated on or in the vicinity of the installed tracks, track sections, signals or points. At least one memory module reader which is situated on or in the toy is also provided. When the respective memory modules are approached or driven over, the data stored there are acquired by the memory reader. According to the invention a module for wireless communication and for establishing a local radio network is provided on or in the toy, in particular a rail car or locomotive. This module is used to establish a local radio network in such a manner that a player in the radio network range plays using a computer-based data input and output device which has loaded application software, wherein, while playing, the data from the memory modules which are acquired by the toy are wirelessly transmitted to the data input and output device by means of the module and a play action is triggered or predefined by resorting to the application software.

The invention relates to a method for controlling track-bound toys, especially electromotively operated model railways and trains, wherein memory modules which can be read in a contactless manner and store unique identification data are situated on or in the vicinity of the installed tracks, track sections, signals or points, and further with at least one memory module reader which is situated on or in the toy and which is supplied with power via the respective track, wherein when the respective memory modules are approached or driven over the data stored there are acquired by the memory reader, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention further relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method for controlling track-bound toys.

A control device for operating an electrical model railway is previously known from DE 10 2007 006 311 A1. The control device comprises operating elements for entering control commands for a model railway article, especially a traction vehicle. The traction vehicle comprises a decoder which is associated with an address. Furthermore, a memory element is present for storing article-specific data of the model railway article. According to the object stated there, the article-specific data of the model railway article shall be transferable in a simple way to the memory element of the control device. In this respect, the data are read out in a contactless manner by means of a reading apparatus from the data memory of a data carrier. Additional information on the real-life example of the model railway article emulated by said article, i.e. weight information and consumption values of the real-life example, is stored in one embodiment in the data memory of the data carrier associated with the model railway article. The data carrier can be formed as a so-called RFID tag.

U.S. 2005/0010338 A1 discloses a method and a system for the automatic control of locomotives by using radio remote control, wherein the respective locomotive additionally comprises a GPS navigation system in order to determine local positional data with the consequence that autonomous operation of the locomotive is possible even in the case of an interruption in the control.

A system for tracking vehicles on a roadway within the terms of so-called tracking by using RFID tags positioned along the roadway is previously known from US 2009/0024309.

According to the teachings of WO 01/87444 A2, a method and an arrangement for the faithful, realistic automatic or semiautomatic control of track-bound toys, especially electromotively operated model railways and trains, belong to the prior art.

According to the solutions there, type-specifying and/or geometry-specifying, contactless readable memory modules are arranged on or in each track, track section, buffer stop, signal and/or point to be installed, wherein each memory module and thus each track additionally comprise current, non-repetitive identification.

Similarly, rolling stock, preferably the locomotives, is equipped with a memory reader device and a data transmission device for feedback.

As a result of the first-time travel over the respective model railway line, the line configuration is present as an electronic image and can be stored in a central memory. During the subsequent playing operation, i.e. when the railway line is used, the respective current position of the railway or train is determined by reading the memory module and feedback to the central memory, i.e. to a central control system, wherein one or several locomotives can be checked and controlled automatically on the basis of predeterminedable tasks for carrying out the railway operation by taking into account the line and speed information as well as special functions.

Transponders, i.e. RFID tags, are arranged as data memory on the track sections or are connected alternatively in a fixed manner to the track by the manufacturer, e.g. injected into the ballast or integrated in a part of the track substructure. The used locomotive comprises the aforementioned memory reader with antenna and data transmission device. The data transmission device establishes a wireless connection to a receiving device with a central memory. The track image is shown on a monitor and the respective current position of the rolling stock on the railway line can be displayed.

When the locomotive reaches the transmission area of the transponder or transponders, the high-frequency field which is emitted by the antenna excites the receiving antenna integrated in the transponder, so that in a next step data can be read out from the transponder and can be received by the antenna of the memory reader. The received information then reaches a receiving device via a wireless transmission path, which receiving device is capable on the basis of the known route of the track to determine the position and velocity of the locomotive or train.

Concerning the feedback message, it is also possible to use a digital two-wire bus system. For practical model railway driving operations, a highly precise positional determination of the rolling stock can therefore occur according to the teachings of WO 01/87444. For controlling the respective rolling stock, and the locomotives in particular, it is still necessary to provide a central digital control unit with power supply and other periphery, which makes the playing operation complex, especially for beginners, and which entails high costs concerning the purchase of the system.

In order to overcome the obstruction resulting from the prior art concerning the configuration of model railway playing operation, it is the object of the invention to provide a further developed method for controlling track-bound toys, especially electromotively operated model railways and trains, with which the real game world, i.e. track systems and rolling stock, can be combined with the virtual world of a computer-animated game. At the same time, the possibility shall be provided to control the respective model locomotive, i.e. the toy, in a simple way without complex digital control units which are especially provided and configured for model railway purposes, and to thus maintain the enthusiasm for playing with the model railway for a long period of time through diverse configuration of the game.

This object is achieved by the invention by a method according to the teachings according to claim 1 and by an arrangement for carrying out the method according to the feature combination according to claim 9.

The invention is therefore based on a method for controlling track-bound toys, especially electromotively operated model railways and trains. Memory modules which can be read in a contactless manner and in which unique identification data are stored are situated on or close to signals and/or points installed on or close to the installed tracks, track sections, i.e. along the installed track system.

Said memory modules, preferably formed as RFID tags, can be attached retroactively to the track or track system, but can also already be present by being integrated in the respective product.

Furthermore, at least one memory module reader is situated on or in the respective toy. Said memory module reader is supplied with power via the respective track system.

When the respective memory modules are approached or driven over, the data stored there are acquired by the memory reader situated in the toy, especially the model locomotive.

In accordance with the invention, a means for wireless communication and for establishing a local radio network is further provided on or in the toy, especially a traction vehicle or a locomotive. This can preferably concern a so-called WLAN module or Bluetooth communication.

A local, range-limited radio network is established by means of said module in such a way that a player present in the radio network area is capable of carrying out playing operations by means of a computer-based data input and output device.

Application software is loaded in this respect into the computer-based data input and output device, which software not only allows controlling the toy but also allows extensive and imaginative playing.

The game content can comprise special tasks for the player, e.g. travelling a specific railway section or reaching a station in a specific time; virtual travelling of a similarly virtual space in combination with solving specific tasks such as loading or unloading of merchandise; transportation of persons; travelling through a virtual human body so as to become acquainted with organ and bodily functions etc.

In playing operations, the data acquired by the toy are transmitted from the memory modules by means of a WLAN module for example in a wireless manner to the data input and output device, and a game action is initiated or predetermined by using the application software.

In a further development of the invention, a tablet PC, a smartphone or a similar means is used as a data input and output device, wherein the aforementioned means comprise a radio network communications interface.

As already mentioned above, the game action comprises a task to be solved by the player, a menu to be loaded, a game program to be activated or the like.

Commands for controlling the toy can be output by means of the data input and output device in a direct and contactless manner via the local radio network by using the loaded application software.

The display of control elements of the real-life example of the toy can be made on a display of the data input and output device.

If the display is formed as a touchscreen, it is possible to trigger control functions of the toy by touching the control elements displayed there, which occurs analogously to the real-life example.

Furthermore, several players can also carry out playing operations in accordance with the invention in so far as said players are situated in the range of the local radio network.

The toy, especially the traction vehicle or the locomotive, comprises a unit for writing the memory modules in an embodiment of the invention in such a way that depending on the playing operation current or change data can be transferred from the toy to the memory module.

It is thus possible, on the basis of the game program loaded into the tablet PC or smartphone, to load new content to the memory modules which correspond to the specific tasks of the respective game program.

Contactless readable memory modules are situated in the arrangement in accordance with the invention for carrying out the method for controlling track-bound toys, especially electromotively operated model railways and trains, on or close to the installed tracks or track sections, i.e. along the track system, but also on or close to signals or points. These memory modules comprise unique identification data, but also such that can be changed.

The arrangement further comprises at least one memory module reader which is situated on or in the toy. The memory module reader is supplied with power via the track.

The assignment between the memory module reader and the memory modules, which are preferably realised as RFID tags, is formed in such a way that when approaching or driving over the respective memory modules the data stored there are acquired and can be transmitted by the memory module reader.

A module for the wireless communication and for establishing a local radio network is provided on or in the toy, especially the used traction vehicle or locomotive. Said module generates a local radio network or establishes said network in such a way that a player situated in the radial network range can carry out playing operations by means of a computer-based data input and output device. The computer-based data input and output device comprises a working memory into which application software can be loaded.

During playing, the data acquired by the toy are transmitted from the respective memory modules by means of the module for wireless communication to the data input and output device. A gaming action can be triggered or predetermined by using the application software.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the computer-based data input and output device is a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a similar device which comprises an interface for a local radio network such as wireless LAN. A so-called app can be installed on the tablet PC or smartphone, which allows the playing operations in accordance with the invention. Tablet PCs or smartphones usually have a high-resolution display, which is especially formed as a touchscreen. Such a touchscreen can be used for controlling the toy, especially a traction vehicle, a model locomotive or the like. If the data input and output device comprises a sensor system which is capable of recognising tilting, pivoting or moving the device, the control can be carried out via forward tilting movements (forward travel), rearward tilting movements (reverse travel), tilting movements to the left and the right (increase or reduction of speed).

The invention will be explained below in closer detail by reference to a principal diagram and an embodiment.

The principal diagram shows an exemplary track system 6 which is formed as an oval.

The track system 6 is supplied with electrical power via a power supply with 18 V for example.

An electromotive model locomotive 2 contains an integrated wireless LAN module which is capable of establishing a local radio network on the one hand. Furthermore, an RFID reader device is present in the locomotive 2.

Said RFID reader device is capable of reading out a plurality of RFID tags 3 on approach, which tags are situated on or close to the track system 6.

A tablet PC or smartphone 4, as the data input and output device, receives information via the wireless LAN module integrated in the locomotive 2, which information corresponds to specific data for example which is acquired by the locomotive 2 when travelling over the respective tags 3.

At least some of the used RFID tags 3 can be provided with new data by a writing unit disposed in the locomotive 2, i.e. the tags can be written.

Control commands can be transmitted directly to the locomotive 2 via the tablet PC or the smartphone 4. These commands can trigger gaming actions, produce interactions, and also controlled movements of the locomotive 2.

Application software which generates the actual game and processes information provided by the RFID tags is situated on the tablet PC or the smartphone 4. The software additionally comprises means for forming a user interface on the smartphone 4 in addition to the respective configuration menu.

Within the terms of the invention, the tablet PC and smartphone 4 are not only used for controlling normal operation of the model locomotive 2 in addition to start/stop functions and the change of the speed or triggering of a signal, but also provide the possibility to connect the real world to a virtual world. The tags influence the respectively loaded game. The content stored in the tags can correspond to specific stations or trigger random actions.

It can be considered for example that during playing operations the travel of the model locomotive 2 through a toy landscape is simulated on the display of the tablet PC or smartphone 4. A travel through a virtual department store can also be realised in which goods need to be purchased or sold at specific stations or persons can board the train or alight therefrom.

In a further development in accordance with the invention, the toy, especially the electromotively operated model railway, comprises current buffering with the advantage that the playing operation is not regarded as interrupted in the event of derailment of the model railway with subsequent repositioning on the track within a predetermined time.

The solution in accordance with the invention concerning the combination of playing operation on the basis of a game world in reality which is combined with a virtual game world can be used not only in track-bound toys but also in so-called slot cars or radio remote-controlled models. 

1. A method for controlling track-bound toys, especially electromotively operated model railways and trains, wherein memory modules which can be read in a contactless manner and store unique identification data are situated on or in the vicinity of the installed tracks, track sections, signals and/or points, and further with at least one memory module reader which is situated on or in the toy and which is supplied with power via the respective track, wherein when the respective memory modules are approached or driven over the data stored there are acquired by the memory reader, characterized in that a module for wireless communication and establishing a local radio network is provided on or in the toy, especially a traction vehicle or a locomotive, and a local radio network is established by means of said module, such that a player situated in the radio network range carries out playing operations by means of a computer-based data input and output device in which application software is loaded, wherein in playing operations the data acquired from the toy are transferred from the memory modules by means of the module in a wireless manner to the data input and output device, and wherein a play action is triggered or predefined by resorting to the application software.
 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a tablet PC or a smartphone with radio network communication interface is used as a data input and output device.
 3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the play action comprises a problem to be solved by the player, a menu to be loaded, a game program to be initiated or the like.
 4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that commands for controlling the toy can be triggered by means of the data input and output device in a direct and wireless manner via the local radio network by using the loaded application software.
 5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that operating units of the real-life example of the toy can be displayed on a display of the data input and output device.
 6. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the display is formed as a touchscreen, wherein control functions of the toy can be triggered by touching the illustrated operating units.
 7. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that several players carry out playing operations via the local radio network.
 8. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the toy, especially the traction vehicle or the locomotive, comprises a unit for writing the memory modules, such that depending on the playing operations current or change data can be transferred from the toy to the memory module.
 9. An arrangement for carrying out the method for controlling track-bound toys, especially electromotively operated model railways and trains according to claim 1, consisting of memory modules which can be read in a contactless manner and contain unique identification data and which are situated on or in the vicinity of the installed tracks, track sections, signals or points, further with at least one memory module reader which is disposed on or in the toy, a power supply via the track or the track sections, a module situated on or in the toy, especially a traction vehicle or a locomotive, for the wireless communication and for establishing a local radio network, a computer-based data input and output device which is capable of storing and running application software for the purpose of realising playing operations, wherein the data acquired by the toy from the memory modules are transferred in a wireless manner by means of the module for wireless communication to the data input and output device by using a respective radio channel, so that a play action is triggered or predefined by resorting to the application software.
 10. An arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the memory modules are formed as RFID tags.
 11. An arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the computer-based data input and output device is a tablet PC or a smartphone. 